U.S. patent application number 12/992254 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-04 for nozzle layout for fluid droplet ejecting.
Invention is credited to Paul A. Hoisington, Tsutomu Kusakari, Kevin Von Essen.
Application Number | 20110187773 12/992254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41340458 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110187773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kusakari; Tsutomu ; et
al. |
August 4, 2011 |
NOZZLE LAYOUT FOR FLUID DROPLET EJECTING
Abstract
A fluid ejection apparatus includes a printhead having a
substrate. The substrate includes a nozzle face having a width
direction and a length direction. The nozzle face includes a set of
four columns of nozzles oriented in a column direction
substantially along the width direction of the nozzle face, and the
nozzles in each column are positioned on a straight line along the
column. A spacing between two adjacent columns of the four adjacent
columns is different than a spacing between another two adjacent
columns of the four adjacent columns. In some implementations, a
controller can control timing of ejection of fluid droplets from
the nozzles to deposit lines of fluid droplets on a medium, and the
medium can travel relative to the nozzle face.
Inventors: |
Kusakari; Tsutomu;
(Kanagawa, JP) ; Von Essen; Kevin; (San Jose,
CA) ; Hoisington; Paul A.; (Hanover, NH) |
Family ID: |
41340458 |
Appl. No.: |
12/992254 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
May 1, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/42526 |
371 Date: |
March 7, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61055936 |
May 23, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
347/9 ;
347/40 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 2/14233 20130101;
B41J 2202/20 20130101; B41J 2002/14459 20130101; B41J 2/2146
20130101; B41J 2/2132 20130101; B41J 2/155 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
347/9 ;
347/40 |
International
Class: |
B41J 29/38 20060101
B41J029/38; B41J 2/145 20060101 B41J002/145 |
Claims
1. A fluid ejection apparatus, comprising: a nozzle face having a
width direction and a length direction, the nozzle face comprising:
a set of three adjacent columns of nozzles oriented in a column
direction substantially along the width direction of the nozzle
face, the column direction being oblique to both the width
direction and the length direction; the nozzles in each column
being positioned on a straight line along the column, and a spacing
between two adjacent columns of the set of three adjacent columns
being different than a spacing between another two adjacent columns
of the set of three adjacent columns.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spacing between each
column and a next adjacent column is different for each column in
the set of three adjacent columns.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a spacing between a first
column and a second column in a set of four adjacent columns is
equal to a spacing between a third column and a fourth column in
the set of four adjacent columns, and a spacing between a second
column and a third column in the set of four adjacent columns is
equal to a spacing between a fourth column in the set of four
adjacent columns and a first column in a next adjacent set of four
adjacent columns.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a controller
configured to control a timing of ejection of fluid droplets
through the nozzles while the nozzle face and the medium undergo
relative motion in a medium travel direction.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein: the columns are divided into
four bands along the column direction; wherein the controller
controls the timing of ejection of fluid droplets such that for a
row of four directly adjacent droplets deposited on a medium, a
single nozzle from each of the four bands deposits one of the four
directly adjacent droplets; and wherein a distance between adjacent
droplets is a droplet pitch; and wherein the four bands include a
first band proximate to a first long edge of the nozzle face, a
second band adjacent to the first band, a third band adjacent to
the second band, and a fourth band adjacent to the third band.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the four directly adjacent
droplets, considered sequentially along the length direction of the
nozzle face, are deposited by a nozzle in the first band, second
band, fourth band, and third band, respectively.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the four directly adjacent
droplets, considered sequentially along the length direction of the
nozzle face, are deposited by a nozzle in the first band, third
band, second band, and fourth band, respectively.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each nozzle face comprises 64
columns, and each column comprises 32 nozzles.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein adjacent nozzles in each
column are separated by a distance of about 14 droplet pitches in
the width direction.
10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the droplet pitch is about
one twelve-hundredth of an inch.
11. An apparatus for depositing fluid droplets on a medium,
comprising: a nozzle face having a width direction along a width of
the nozzle face, a length direction along a length of the nozzle
face, and a plurality of nozzles configured for ejecting fluid
droplets, the nozzles being arranged in substantially parallel
columns, the nozzles in each column being positioned on a straight
line along the column, the columns being oriented in a column
direction extending substantially across the width of the nozzle
face, the column direction being oblique to the width of the nozzle
face, the columns being spaced relative to each other in a column
spacing pattern such that adjacent fluid droplets deposited on a
droplet line are deposited by nozzles of a different column, a
spacing in the length direction between columns in a pair of
adjacent columns is not equal for all pairs of two adjacent
columns, and wherein each column is offset in the width direction
of the nozzle face relative to an adjacent column.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the column spacing pattern
repeats every fifth column, such that columns are grouped into sets
of four columns.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column spacing pattern
comprises: a first spacing between a first column and a second
column of a first set of four columns; a second spacing between a
second column and a third column of the first set of four columns;
a third spacing between a third column and a fourth column of the
first set of four columns; and a fourth spacing between a fourth
column of the first set of four columns and an adjacent first
column of a second set of four columns, wherein the first spacing
and the fourth spacing are substantially equal.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column spacing pattern
comprises: a first spacing between a first column and a second
column of a first set of four columns; a second spacing between a
second column and a third column of the first set of four columns;
a third spacing between a third column and a fourth column of the
first set of four columns; and a fourth spacing between a fourth
column of the first set of four columns and an adjacent first
column of a second set of four columns, wherein the second spacing
and the third spacing are substantially equal.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column spacing pattern
comprises: a first spacing between a first column and a second
column of a first set of four columns; a second spacing between a
second column and a third column of the first set of four columns;
a third spacing between a third column and a fourth column of the
first set of four columns; and a fourth spacing between a fourth
column of the first set of four columns and an adjacent first
column of a second set of four columns, wherein none of the first,
second, third, or fourth spacing is equal to another of the first,
second, third, or fourth spacing.
16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a controller
configured to control a timing of ejection of fluid droplets
through the nozzles such that the nozzles eject droplets of fluid
onto a droplet line on a medium while the nozzle face and the
medium undergo relative motion in a medium travel direction,
wherein a spacing between droplets in the droplet line is equal to
a droplet pitch.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the columns are divided into
four bands along the column direction and the controller controls
the timing of ejection of fluid droplets such that for a row of
four directly adjacent droplets deposited on a medium, a single
nozzle from each of the four bands deposits one of the four
directly adjacent droplets.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the column spacing pattern
comprises: a first spacing between a first column and a second
column of a first set of four columns; a second spacing between a
second column and a third column of the first set of four columns;
a third spacing between a third column and a fourth column of the
first set of four columns; and a fourth spacing between a fourth
column of the first set of four columns and an adjacent first
column of a second set of four columns; wherein each column in a
set of four columns includes a same number of nozzles; and wherein
x is equal to the number of nozzles in each column multiplied by
the droplet pitch, and the first spacing is about x+1, the second
spacing is about x+2, the third spacing is about x-1, and the
fourth spacing is about x-2.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the nozzle face comprises 64
columns and each column comprises 32 nozzles.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the nozzles in each column
are equally spaced.
21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein each column along the length
of the nozzle face is offset in the width direction of the nozzle
face by a distance of about one droplet pitch relative to a
preceding adjacent column.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the nozzles are spaced along
each column at a distance of about 14 droplet pitches in the width
direction.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the first spacing is about
33 droplet pitches, the second spacing is about 34 droplet pitches,
the third spacing is about 31 droplet pitches, and the fourth
spacing is about 30 droplet pitches.
24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the droplet pitch is about
one twelve-hundredth of an inch.
25. An apparatus for depositing fluid droplets on a medium,
comprising: a print frame having a length direction along a long
edge and a width direction along a short edge; a printhead secured
to the print frame; a nozzle layer secured to the printhead, the
nozzle layer having a nozzle face, the nozzle face having a length
and a width; three adjacent columns of nozzles oriented in a column
direction substantially along a width of the nozzle face and at an
oblique angle relative to both the length direction and the width
direction of the print frame, the nozzles in each column being
arranged on a straight line along each column, and a spacing
between two adjacent columns of the three adjacent columns being
different than a spacing between another two adjacent columns of
the three adjacent columns.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the spacing between each
column and a next adjacent column is different for each column in
the set of four columns.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the spacing between a first
column and a second column in a set of four columns is equal to the
spacing between a third column and a fourth column in the set of
four columns, and the spacing between a second column and a third
column in the set of four columns is equal to the spacing between a
fourth column in the set of four columns and a first column in a
next adjacent set of four columns.
28. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: a controller
configured to control a timing of ejection of fluid droplets
through the nozzles while the print frame and the medium undergo
relative motion in a medium travel direction.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein: the columns are divided
into four bands along the column direction; wherein the controller
controls the timing of ejection of fluid droplets such that for a
row of four directly adjacent droplets deposited on a medium, a
single nozzle from each of the four bands deposits one of the four
directly adjacent droplets; and wherein a distance between adjacent
droplets is a droplet pitch; and wherein the four bands include a
first band proximate to a first long edge of the print frame, a
second band adjacent to the first band, a third band adjacent to
the second band, and a fourth band adjacent to the third band and
proximate to a second long edge of the print frame.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the four directly adjacent
droplets, considered sequentially along the length direction of the
nozzle face, are deposited by a nozzle in the first band, second
band, fourth band, and third band, respectively.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the four directly adjacent
droplets, considered sequentially along the length direction of the
nozzle face, are deposited by a nozzle in the first band, third
band, second band, and fourth band, respectively.
32. A fluid ejection apparatus, comprising: a frame having a length
direction along a long edge and a width direction along a short
edge; a printhead secured to the print frame; a nozzle layer
secured to the printhead, the nozzle layer having a nozzle face,
the nozzle face having a length and a width; and three adjacent
columns of nozzles oriented in a column direction substantially
along a width of the nozzle face and at an oblique angle relative
to both the length direction and the width direction of the print
frame, the nozzles in each column being arranged on a straight line
along the column, and the nozzles in each column being arranged on
rows in a row direction, the row direction being substantially
along the length of the nozzle face and at an oblique angle
relative to both the length direction and the width direction of
the print frame.
33. A fluid ejection apparatus, comprising: a nozzle face having a
width direction along a short edge of the nozzle face and a length
direction along a long edge of the nozzle face; a plurality of
nozzles configured for ejecting fluid droplets, the nozzles being
arranged in substantially parallel columns, the nozzles in each
column being positioned on a straight line along each column, the
columns being oriented in a column direction extending
substantially along the width direction, the columns being divided
into at least three contiguous bands along the column direction,
wherein the three bands include a first band proximate to the long
edge of the nozzle face, a second band adjacent to the first band,
and a third band adjacent to the second band; a first nozzle in the
first band, the first nozzle being configured to deposit a first
droplet at a first position, as considered in the length direction;
a second nozzle in the second band, the second nozzle being
configured to deposit a second droplet at a second position, as
considered in the length direction; and a third nozzle in the third
band, the third nozzle being configured to deposit a third droplet
at a third position between the first position and the second
position, as considered in the length direction.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This description relates to fluid droplet ejection. In some
implementations of a fluid droplet ejection device, a substrate,
such as a silicon substrate, includes a fluid pumping chamber, a
descender, and a nozzle formed therein. Fluid droplets can be
ejected from the nozzle and deposited onto a medium, such as in a
printing operation. The nozzle is fluidly connected to the
descender, which is fluidly connected to the fluid pumping chamber.
The fluid pumping chamber can be actuated by a thermal or
piezoelectric transducer, and when actuated, the fluid pumping
chamber can cause ejection of a fluid droplet through the nozzle.
The medium can be moved relative to the fluid droplet ejection
device. The ejection of a fluid droplet from a nozzle can be timed
with the travel of the medium to place a fluid droplet at a desired
location on the medium. These fluid droplet ejection devices
typically include multiple nozzles and a high density of
nozzles.
SUMMARY
[0002] In one aspect, systems, apparatus, and methods for fluid
ejecting include a nozzle face having a width direction and a
length direction. The nozzle face can include a set of three
adjacent columns of nozzles oriented in a column direction
substantially along the width direction of the nozzle face. The
column direction can be oblique to both the width direction and the
length direction. The nozzles in each column can be positioned on a
straight line along the column. A spacing between two adjacent
columns of the set of three adjacent columns can be different than
a spacing between another two adjacent columns of the set of three
adjacent columns.
[0003] In another aspect, an apparatus for depositing fluid
droplets on a medium includes a nozzle face having a width
direction along a width of the nozzle face, a length direction
along a length of the nozzle face, and a plurality of nozzles
configured for ejecting fluid droplets. The nozzles can be arranged
in substantially parallel columns, and the nozzles in each column
can be positioned on a straight line along the column. The columns
can be oriented in a column direction extending substantially
across the width of the nozzle face. The column direction can be
oblique to the width of the nozzle face. The columns can be spaced
relative to each other in a column spacing pattern such that
adjacent droplets deposited on a droplet line are deposited by
nozzles of a different column. A spacing in the length direction
between columns in a pair of adjacent columns can be not equal for
all pairs of two adjacent columns. Each column can be offset in the
width direction of the nozzle face relative to an adjacent
column.
[0004] In another aspect, an apparatus for depositing fluid
droplets on a medium can include a print frame having a length
direction along a long edge and a width direction along a short
edge. A printhead can be secured to the print frame. A nozzle layer
can be secured to the printhead. The nozzle layer can have a nozzle
face, and the nozzle face can have a length and a width. Three
adjacent columns of nozzles can be oriented in a column direction
substantially along a width of the nozzle face and at an oblique
angle relative to both the length direction and the width direction
of the print frame. The nozzles in each column can be arranged on a
straight line along each column. A spacing between two adjacent
columns of the three adjacent columns can be different than a
spacing between another two adjacent columns of the three adjacent
columns.
[0005] In another aspect, a fluid ejection apparatus can include a
frame having a length direction along a long edge and a width
direction along a short edge. A printhead can be secured to the
print frame. A nozzle layer can be secured to the printhead. The
nozzle layer can have a nozzle face, and the nozzle face can have a
length and a width. Three adjacent columns of nozzles can be
oriented in a column direction substantially along a width of the
nozzle face and at an oblique angle relative to both the length
direction and the width direction of the print frame. The nozzles
in each column can be arranged on a straight line along the column.
The nozzles in each column can be arranged on rows in a row
direction, the row direction being substantially along a length of
the nozzle face and at an oblique angle relative to both the length
direction and the width direction of the print frame.
[0006] In another aspect, a fluid ejection apparatus can include a
nozzle face having a width direction along a short edge of the
nozzle face and a length direction along a long edge of the nozzle
face. A plurality of nozzles can be configured for ejecting fluid
droplets, the nozzles being arranged in substantially parallel
columns. The nozzles in each column can be positioned on a straight
light along each column. The columns can be oriented in a column
direction extending substantially along the width direction. The
columns can be divided into at least three contiguous bands along
the column direction. The three bands can include a first band
proximate to the long edge of the nozzle face, a second band
adjacent to the first band, and a third band adjacent to the second
band. A first nozzle can be in the first band and configured to
deposit a first droplet at a first position, as considered in the
length direction. A second nozzle can be in the second band and
configured to deposit a second droplet at a second position, as
considered in the length direction. A third nozzle can be in the
third band and configured to deposit a third droplet at a third
position between the first position and the second position, as
considered in the length direction.
[0007] Implementations can include one or more of the following
features. A spacing between each column and a next adjacent column
can be different for each column in a set of three adjacent
columns. In some implementations, a spacing between a first column
and a second column in a set of four adjacent columns can be equal
to a spacing between a third column and a fourth column in the set
of four adjacent columns, and a spacing between a second column and
a third column in the set of four adjacent columns can be equal to
a spacing between a fourth column in the set of four adjacent
columns and a first column in a next adjacent set of four adjacent
columns.
[0008] An apparatus can further include a controller configured to
control a timing of ejection of fluid droplets through the nozzles
while the nozzle face and the medium undergo relative motion in a
medium travel direction. The columns can be divided into four bands
along the column direction. The controller can control the timing
of ejection of fluid droplets such that for a row of four directly
adjacent droplets deposited on a medium, a single nozzle from each
of the four bands deposits one of the four directly adjacent
droplets. A distance between adjacent droplets can be a droplet
pitch. The four bands can include a first band proximate to a first
long edge of the nozzle face, a second band adjacent to the first
band, a third band adjacent to the second band, and a fourth band
adjacent to the third band. The four directly adjacent droplets,
considered sequentially along the length direction of the nozzle
face, can be deposited by a nozzle in the first band, second band,
fourth band, and third band, respectively. Alternatively, the four
directly adjacent droplets, considered sequentially along the
length direction of the nozzle face, can be deposited by a nozzle
in the first band, third band, second band, and fourth band,
respectively. In some implementations, each nozzle face can include
64 columns, and each column can include 32 nozzles. Also, in some
implementations, adjacent nozzles in each column can be separated
by a distance of about 14 droplet pitches in the width direction.
The droplet pitch can be about one twelve-hundredth of an inch in
some implementations.
[0009] A column spacing pattern can repeat every fifth column, such
that columns can be grouped into sets of four columns. The column
spacing pattern can include a first spacing between a first column
and a second column of a first set of four columns, a second
spacing between a second column and a third column of the first set
of four columns, a third spacing between a third column and a
fourth column of the first set of four columns, and a fourth
spacing between a fourth column of the first set of four columns
and an adjacent first column of a second set of four columns. In
some implementations, the first spacing and the fourth spacing can
be substantially equal, and the second spacing and the third
spacing can be substantially equal. In some other implementations,
none of the first, second, third, or fourth spacing are equal to
another of the first, second, third, or fourth spacing. In some
implementations, each column in a set of four columns can include a
same number of nozzles. The number of nozzles in each column
multiplied by a droplet pitch can be x, and the first spacing can
be about x+1, the second spacing can be about x+2, the third
spacing can be about x-1, and the fourth spacing can e about x-2.
The nozzles in each column can be equally spaced. Each column along
the length of the nozzle face can be offset in the width direction
of the nozzle face by a distance of about one droplet pitch
relative to a preceding adjacent column. In some implementations,
the first spacing can be about 33 droplet pitches, the second
spacing can be about 34 droplet pitches, the third spacing can be
about 31 droplet pitches, and the fourth spacing can be about 30
droplet pitches.
[0010] The spacing between each column and a next adjacent column
can be different for each column in a set of four adjacent columns.
An apparatus can include a controller configured to control a
timing of ejection of fluid droplets through nozzles while a print
frame and a medium undergo relative motion in a medium travel
direction.
[0011] In some embodiments, the apparatus may include one or more
of the following advantages. A nozzle layout with unequal spacing
between columns of nozzles can be configured with all of the
nozzles in a column being positioned on a straight line along the
column rather than staggered along the column. This arrangement of
nozzles on a straight line can permit use of a straight passage for
supplying fluid to the nozzles, which can reduce a width of the
columns and simplify manufacturing. Each column can be separated
into bands. The use of bands can also reduce a distance, in a
medium travel direction, between nozzles that deposit adjacent
droplets on the medium. This reduction in distance can reduce
inaccuracies in fluid droplet deposition that cause aberrations
such as streaks. Inaccuracies can be caused by movement of the
medium in a sideways direction, such as web weave, during a
printing operation.
[0012] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example fluid ejection
structure.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a bottom plan view of a portion of the structure
of FIG. 1A.
[0015] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an example fluid ejection
apparatus.
[0016] FIG. 1D is a bottom plan view of a portion of the apparatus
of FIG. 1C.
[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic representations of nozzle
layouts.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of an
example nozzle layout.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of portions of an
example nozzle layout.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of an
example nozzle layout.
[0021] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an example
substrate.
[0022] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional schematic representation taken
along line B-B in FIG. 6A.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top view schematic representation of a portion
of a flow path layout of an example substrate.
[0024] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Fluid droplet ejection can be implemented with a printhead
mounted in a print frame. The printhead includes a substrate, such
as a silicon substrate. The substrate includes a flow path body, a
nozzle layer, and a membrane. The flow path body includes one or
more fluid flow paths formed therein, and each flow path can
include a fluid pumping chamber, a descender, and a nozzle. The
nozzle layer has a nozzle face on a surface of the nozzle layer
opposite the flow path body. Nozzles are arranged on the nozzle
face in a nozzle layout and are configured to deposit droplets of
fluid onto a medium, such as a sheet of paper. The medium can be
moving relative to the printhead, such as during a printing
operation.
[0026] The nozzle layout includes columns of nozzles, and the
nozzles can be arranged in the columns on a straight line. In some
implementations, all of the nozzles in a column can be arranged on
a straight line along the column. Adjacent droplets in a row of
droplets on the medium can be deposited by nozzles of the same
column or different columns. In some implementations, each column
can be divided into bands, such that the nozzle face includes
multiple bands of nozzles. For example, if the nozzle face has four
bands of nozzles, then in a row of four adjacent droplets on the
medium, each droplet can be deposited by a nozzle from a different
band. The bands can be defined by rows of nozzles. Spacing between
columns can be unequal to facilitate the nozzle layout or for other
purposes. The fluid can be, for example, a chemical compound, a
biological substance, or ink.
[0027] FIG. 1A shows an implementation of a printhead 100 for fluid
droplet ejection. The printhead 100 includes a casing 110. A
mounting assembly 120 is attached to the casing 110 and includes a
mounting component 122. The printhead 100 also includes a substrate
130 attached to the bottom of the casing 110. The substrate 130 can
be composed of silicon, such as single crystal silicon. The
substrate can include a flow path body 605 (see FIG. 6B) with a
microfabricated fluid path formed therein. A supply tube 150 and a
return tube 160 can be configured to fluidly connect the printhead
100 with a supply tank (not shown) and a return tank (not shown),
respectively. A length and a width of the printhead 100 are
oriented substantially along an x direction and a y direction,
respectively, as discussed below.
[0028] FIG. 1B shows a bottom surface of the substrate 130. The
substrate 130 includes a nozzle layer 132, and the nozzle layer 132
has a nozzle face 135. The nozzle face 135 includes multiple
columns 170 of nozzles 180. The number of nozzles 180 on the nozzle
face 135 has been reduced, and the nozzles are shown enlarged, for
illustrative purposes in FIG. 1B. The nozzle face 135 has a
quadrilateral shape. The nozzle face 135 has long edges oriented in
a v direction that is at an angle .gamma. relative to the x
direction. The nozzle face 135 has short edges oriented in a w
direction that is at an angle .alpha. relative to the y direction.
The columns 170 extend in the w direction. In alternative
implementations, the w direction can be at some other oblique angle
relative to the width of the substrate 130, the y direction, or
both. The nozzle face 135 can be formed as a surface of a separate
nozzle layer 132. Alternatively, the nozzle face 135 and the nozzle
layer 132 can be formed as a unitary part of the substrate 130. The
substrate 130 can also include a membrane 675 (see FIG. 6B). The
membrane 675 can be formed on a surface of the flow path body 605
opposite the nozzle layer 632 (see FIG. 6B).
[0029] FIG. 1C shows an implementation of multiple printheads 100
mounted in a print frame 190 to form a fluid ejection system 102. A
controller 104 can be electrically connected to the fluid ejection
system 102 to control fluid droplet ejection, as discussed in more
detail below. A long edge of the print frame 190 corresponds to a
length direction of the print frame 190 and is oriented in the x
direction. A short edge of the print frame 190 is oriented in the y
direction, perpendicular to the x direction, and corresponds to a
width direction of the print frame 190. The medium shown in FIG. 1C
is a sheet 140, and the sheet 140 can be composed of, for example,
paper or some other material suitable for printing. The sheet 140
can be positioned beneath the print frame 190, and fluid droplets
ejected from the nozzles 180 can be deposited on the medium. The
medium and the print frame 190 can be moving relative to one
another in the y direction during a printing operation. This
relative motion can be effected by rollers 145 in contact with the
sheet 140. In alternative implementations, movement of the sheet
140 can be effected by a lesser or greater number of rollers 145,
by pneumatic pressure, by momentum of the sheet 140, or some other
suitable mechanism. In some implementations, the print frame 190
can span a full width (in the x direction) of the sheet 140.
[0030] FIG. 1D shows a bottom plan view of the multiple printheads
100 of FIG. 1C, including the bottom of the substrates 130, shown
without the print frame 190 for illustrative purposes. The
printheads 100 are arranged substantially along a line L that is
parallel with the x direction. A pitch of the printheads 100 (i.e.
a spacing of the printheads 100) can be equal to the number of
nozzles 180 on each printhead divided by an average distance
between adjacent nozzles 180 in the x direction. The printheads can
be separated by a printhead gap M, which is exaggerated in FIG. 1D
for illustrative purposes. The gap M can be, for example, between
about 5.0 microns and about 200 microns, such as about 50 microns.
The printhead gap M can vary between different pairs of printheads.
In this implementation, the w direction is at an oblique angle
relative to the width of the print frame.
[0031] In this implementation, because the short edges of the
printheads 100 are oriented in the w direction, the substrates 130
have an overlap A in the x direction. This overlap A can permit
continuity of fluid droplet deposition along the x direction
between substrates 130. The necessary size of the overlap A to
achieve continuity of fluid droplet deposit can depend, for
example, on a minimum manufacturable distance between a short edge
of a substrate 130 and a column 170 of nozzles 180. The overlap A
can also be determined in part by the angle .alpha.. Configuring
the long edges of the printheads 100 and the substrates 130 in the
v direction in this implementation can eliminate or reduce the need
for an offset or staggered configuration of multiple rows of
printheads 100 to achieve the overlap A. Within the overlap A,
adjacent droplets on the medium may be deposited by nozzles 180 on
different nozzle faces 135.
[0032] FIG. 1D also shows an edge portion E of the rightmost
printhead 100. Because the nozzles 180 are arranged in columns 170
that are at an angle relative to the y direction, complete overlap
of nozzles 180 may be lacking in the edge portion E. Therefore,
full droplet resolution may not be achieved in the edge portion E.
In some implementations, the nozzles 180 in the edge portion E may
therefore be unused.
[0033] FIG. 2A is a schematic representation of a prior art nozzle
layout 200 with nozzles 180 arranged in a first column 220 and a
second column 240. The columns 220, 240 are parallel to one
another. The nozzles 180 are also arranged in rows, such as row
210. All of the nozzles 180 in row 210 can be positioned along a
line 212. A row 260 represents a portion of a row 260 of droplets
265 deposited on a medium positioned beneath the nozzle layout 200.
In this implementation, the medium travels in the y direction
relative to the nozzle layout 200. The y direction can also be
referred to as a medium travel direction. The columns 220, 240 are
configured side-by-side in the x direction such that the leftmost
nozzle 242 of the second column 240 is positioned at a distance D
(in the x direction) to right of the rightmost nozzle 228 in the
first column 220. Droplets 265 in the row 260 are separated by the
distance D, which can be referred to as a droplet spacing or a
droplet pitch. Although some of the nozzles 180 are offset in the y
direction with respect to one another, the timing of ejection of
the nozzles 180 can be controlled such that the nozzles 180 deposit
droplets in a common position in the y direction as the medium
travels relative to the printhead 100 in the y direction. Multiple
rows 260 of droplets 265 can be deposited on the medium in a
similar fashion.
[0034] Except at the edges where adjacent substrates 130 can
overlap (as shown in FIG. 1D), droplets 265 in the row 260 can be
uniformly spaced by the distance D. Thus, an x-direction of the
substrate 130 itself can also be defined as the axis along which,
when the nozzles are projected onto the axis, the nozzles are
uniformly spaced (excepting the edges).
[0035] This timing can be controlled by a controller 104 (FIG. 1C)
configured to control the timing of fluid droplet ejection from
each nozzle 180. In this implementation, each nozzle 180 can be
driven by an independently actuatable transducer 680 (see FIG. 6B)
in pressure communication with a fluid pumping chamber 640 (see
FIG. 6B) that is in fluid communication with the nozzle 180.
Actuation of the transducer 680 can cause ejection of a fluid
droplet to provide drop-on-demand ejection. Each transducer 680 can
be connected to the controller 104 by circuitry (not shown). The
timing of fluid droplet ejection can be controlled to deposit
droplets 265 in a row 260 or multiple rows 260 on the medium. As
the medium moves in the y direction relative to the nozzles 180,
the timing of ejection from each nozzle 180 can be delayed or
advanced relative to other nozzles 180 in adjacent rows or columns.
This delay or advance can account for differences in position of
the nozzles 180 in the y direction. For example, where the medium
travels at a rate, r.sub.s, and the distance between nozzles 182,
184 in the y direction is y.sub.s, the medium travels the distance
y.sub.s in a time, t, equal to the distance y.sub.s divided by the
rate r.sub.s. The controller 104 can be configured to delay or
advance, as appropriate, the timing of fluid droplet ejection from
one or both of the nozzles 182, 184 by amounts of time totaling the
time t so that the nozzles 182, 184 deposit droplets 265 in a same
position in the y direction. The controller 104 can be configured
to effect a similar delay or advance, as appropriate, for some or
all of the nozzles 180 in the nozzle layout 200. Further, the
controller 104 can effect these delays and advances for multiple
rows 260 of droplets 265 as the medium travels relative to the
nozzle layout 200.
[0036] FIG. 2A is representative of a "single-banded" nozzle layout
200. Adjacent droplets in the row 260, considered from left to
right, are deposited by nozzles 180 of the first column 220 until
the end of the first column 220 is reached. Subsequent droplets in
the row 260 are then similarly deposited by nozzles 180 of the
second column 240 until the end of the second column 240 is
reached.
[0037] FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of a nozzle layout
250. The nozzles 180 are arranged on the nozzle face 135 in
columns, such as column 224. The bottommost nozzles 180 of the
columns form a first row 281. Subsequent nozzles 180 in each of the
columns form a second row 282, a third row 283, a fourth row 284, a
fifth row 285, a sixth row 286, a seventh row 287, and an eighth
row 288. In some implementations, the nozzles 180 of the rows are
positioned along, e.g., on, straight lines. For example, all of the
nozzles of row 281 can be positioned on a straight line 291. In
other implementations, the nozzles 180 can be staggered along
straight lines or arranged in some other configuration. Similarly,
the nozzles 180 of the columns can be positioned along, e.g., on, a
straight line. For example, all of the nozzles of column 224 can be
positioned on a straight line 225. The nozzle layout 250 is shown
with 16 columns 170, each with 8 nozzles 180, for illustrative
purposes. A different number of columns 170 can be used, such as 64
columns 170. In some implementations, each column 170 can have 32
nozzles 180.
[0038] Groups of rows can form bands, and FIG. 2B shows an
implementation with four bands 201, 202, 203, 204. The first row
281 and the second row 282 are in the first band 201, the third row
283 and the fourth row 284 are in the second band 202, the fifth
row 285 and the sixth row 286 are in the third band 203, and the
seventh row 287 and the eighth row 288 are in the fourth band 204.
In other implementations, bands 201, 202, 203, 204 can include a
greater or lesser number of rows. For example, in implementations
having 32 rows, each of the four bands 201, 202, 203, 204 can
include eight rows. The bands 201, 202, 203, 204 can be
contiguous.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a portion of an
implementation of a nozzle layout 300. This implementation includes
a first band 301, a second band 302, a third band 303, and a fourth
band 304. Nozzles 180 are arranged in a first column 310, a second
column 320, a third column 330, and a fourth column 340. The
columns 310, 320, 330, 340 are oriented in the w direction. In some
implementations, the columns 310, 320, 330, 340 are parallel to an
edge of the nozzle face 135. In some implementations, the rows are
parallel to an edge of the nozzle face 135. FIG. 3 is expanded
along the x direction for illustrative purposes, as reflected by
the difference in the w direction between FIGS. 1B and 3. That is,
the angle .alpha. represents the same angle in FIGS. 1B and 3 but
appears different because FIG. 3 is expanded along the x direction.
Also, the w direction appears "mirrored" since FIG. 3 represents a
top-down view, as opposed to the bottom-up view represented by FIG.
1B. A first column portion 311 is in the first band 301. Similarly,
a second column portion 321 is in the second band 302, a third
column portion 331 is in the third band 303, and a fourth column
portion 341 is in the fourth band 304.
[0040] In this implementation, the nozzles 180 in each column
portion 311, 321, 331, 341 are offset such that no two nozzles 180
have a same position in the x direction. FIG. 3 illustrates only a
portion of the nozzle layout 300 on the nozzle face 135 (FIG. 1B),
and each column 310, 320, 330, 340 can have a column portion in
each band 301, 302, 303, 304 in portions of the nozzle layout 300
not shown in FIG. 3. For example, column 310 can have four column
portions, one in each of the bands 301, 302, 303, 304. Although the
nozzles 180 are offset in the y direction with respect to one
another, timing of ejection of the nozzles 180 can be controlled
such that the nozzles 180 deposit droplets in a common position in
the y direction as the sheet 140 (FIG. 1C) travels relative to the
printhead 100 in the y direction, as discussed above with respect
to FIG. 2A.
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a band pattern 375, which is illustrated
as arrows between nozzles 180. In a first set of four adjacent
droplets 362 deposited in a row 260 on a medium, a first droplet
314 is in a leftmost position with respect to the x direction. A
second droplet 324 is adjacent and to the right of the first
droplet 311. Similarly, a third droplet 334 is adjacent and to the
right of the second droplet 324, and a fourth droplet 344 is
adjacent and to the right of the third droplet 334. The first
droplet 314 is deposited by a nozzle 312 in the first column
portion 311 located in the first band 301. The second droplet 324
is deposited by a nozzle 332 in the third column portion 331
located in the third band 303. The third droplet 334 is deposited
by a nozzle 322 in the second column portion 321 located in the
second band 302. The fourth droplet 344 is deposited by a nozzle
342 in the fourth column portion 341 located in the fourth band
304. This implementation can be referred to as a "1-3-2-4" band
pattern 375. The band pattern 375 repeats for each subsequent set
of four droplets. That is, a first droplet 318 in a second set of
four droplets 364 is deposited by a second nozzle 316 located in
the first band 301, the second nozzle 316 being in the same column
310 as, and adjacent to, the first nozzle 312. The 1-3-2-4 band
pattern is only one possible band pattern 375. Alternative band
patterns 375 can include 1-2-4-3, 1-4-2-3, and 1-3-4-2. In some
implementations, the nozzle layout 300 can use more than one band
pattern 375. Further, in some implementations, the nozzle layout
can be divided into more or less than four bands, for example, two
bands, eight bands, or any integer number of bands. A controller
104 (FIG. 1C) can be configured as discussed with respect to FIG.
2A to control the timing of fluid droplet ejection to deposit
droplets 265 in the row 260.
[0042] In some implementations, the band pattern 375 can be enabled
by an overlapping arrangement of columns. An overlapping
arrangement of columns can enable a smaller droplet pitch D than a
non-overlapping arrangement, such as the arrangement illustrated in
FIG. 2A. This can be because manufacturing considerations may limit
a minimum achievable spacing between columns or between nozzles
within columns. An overlapping arrangement of columns can permit a
smaller droplet pitch D for a given minimum achievable spacing
between columns. In implementations where the printhead 100
deposits droplets in more than one row 260, the overlapping
arrangement of columns permits a higher droplet density. In some
implementations, the droplet pitch D can be one twelve-hundredth of
an inch, and a resolution of twelve hundred droplets per inch (1200
dpi) can be achieved.
[0043] Further, the use of a band pattern 375 can reduce the
occurrence and/or intensity of droplet deposition inaccuracies,
such as streaks. Streaks can be caused by any of a number of
imperfections in an apparatus for fluid droplet ejection and
deposition. For example, movement of the sheet 140 (FIG. 1C) in the
x direction, which can be referred to as "web weave," may result in
deposition inaccuracies because the position of the sheet 140 in
the x direction may be different relative to nozzles 180 that are
in different positions in the y direction. This change in position
can result in droplet deposition inaccuracies in the x direction,
particularly where adjacent fluid droplets (e.g., the first droplet
314 and the second droplet 324) are deposited from nozzles 180 that
are in different positions in the y direction. Web weave can thus
result in inaccurate deposition of fluid droplets in any nozzle
layout where nozzles 180 that deposit droplets 265 in a droplet
line 260 are located in different positions in the y direction
relative to one another. For example, droplets 265 may be deposited
on top of one another instead of adjacent to one another, resulting
in an absence of fluid droplets along a line in the y direction,
which may appear as a "streak." In general, the greater the
distance in the y direction between nozzles 180 that deposit
adjacent droplets 265, the greater the magnitude of droplet
deposition inaccuracies resulting from web weave or other
imperfections in the apparatus.
[0044] Therefore, it is desirable to minimize a distance in the y
direction between nozzles 180 that deposit adjacent droplets on the
sheet 140, and the number of bands in the band pattern 375 can be
selected accordingly. In selecting the number of bands, various
factors can be taken into account, such as an average spacing
between columns 170, a spacing between nozzles 180 in each column
170, the number of columns 170 on the nozzle face 135, the droplet
pitch D, and other factors. Any integer number of bands can be
used. A four-banded nozzle layout 300 can reduce the intensity of
streaks in the implementation described with respect to FIG. 3.
Further, of the possible band patterns 375, band patterns can be
selected to minimize the intensity of streaks or other inaccuracies
for a given number of bands, such as band patterns 375 of 1-2-4-3
and 1-3-4-2 for implementations with four bands. These band
patterns can reduce the intensity of inaccuracies by reducing the
distance in the y direction between nozzles 180 that deposit
adjacent droplets on the medium.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a portion of an
implementation of a nozzle layout 400. For illustrative purposes,
this diagram is not drawn to scale. In this implementation, the
nozzle layout 400 includes 64 columns with 32 nozzles 180 in each
column, although only a portion of the nozzle layout 400 is
illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustrates six columns, namely a
first column 410, a second column 420, a third column 430, a fourth
column 440, a fifth column 450, and a sixth column 460. The
bottommost nozzles 180 in each column correspond to a first row
415, and each bottommost nozzle 180 can also be referred to as a
first nozzle 412, 422, 432, 442, 452, 462 of each column 410, 420,
430, 440, 450, 460. A next adjacent nozzle 180 in each column, in
the w direction, corresponds to a second row 425, a third row 435,
and so forth through a last row 495, which in this implementation
is the thirty-second row. The first nozzle 412 and the second
nozzle 416 of the first column 410 are separated in the x direction
and the y direction by a nozzle x pitch r.sub.x and a nozzle y
pitch r.sub.y, respectively. In this illustration, the columns 410,
420, 430, 440, 450, 460 are shown closer together, for illustrative
purposes, than would be proper scale with respect to the nozzle x
pitch r.sub.x and the nozzle y pitch r.sub.y.
[0046] In this implementation, all of the nozzles 180 are
positioned along, e.g., on, straight lines 411, 421, 431, 441, 451,
461 corresponding to each column 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460. The
first nozzle 422 of the second column 420 is offset in the y
direction by an offset n relative to the first nozzle 412 of the
first column 410. The offset n can, in some implementations, be
equal to the droplet pitch D. Similarly, the first nozzle 432 of
the third column 430 is offset in the y direction by a distance n
relative to the first nozzle 422 of the second column 420, and so
on for the fourth column 440, the fifth column 450, the sixth
column 460, and remaining columns in this nozzle layout 400. In
this implementation, the nozzle x pitch r.sub.x can be about four
times the offset n, and r.sub.y can be about 14 times the offset
n.
[0047] In some implementations, the columns 410, 420, 430, 440,
450, 460 are unequally spaced. A first spacing S.sub.1 is between
the first column 410 and the second column 420. Similarly, a second
spacing S.sub.2, a third spacing S.sub.3, and a fourth spacing
S.sub.4 are between the second column 420 and the third column 430,
the third column 430 and the fourth column 440, and the fourth
column 440 and the fifth column 450, respectively. That is, the
spacings S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 are measured between a
column in a set of four columns C and a next adjacent column. The
next adjacent column is considered in a same direction relative to
each column in the set of four columns C, such as to the right of
each column in the set of four columns C. The spacings S.sub.1,
S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 form a column spacing pattern S that
repeats every fifth column. That is, where the nozzle layout 400 is
divided into sets of four adjacent columns C, the spacings S.sub.1,
S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 are the same for each set of four
adjacent columns C, such as a next adjacent set of four columns C
to the right of the set of four columns C shown in FIG. 4. For
example, a spacing between the fifth column 450 and the sixth
column 460 is equal to the first spacing S.sub.1. A spacing between
the sixth column and a seventh column (not shown) is equal to the
second spacing S.sub.2, and so on for a set of four adjacent
columns C that includes the fifth through eighth columns (not
shown). The spacing pattern S repeats again where, for example, a
spacing between a ninth column (not shown) and a tenth column (not
shown) is equal to the first spacing S.sub.1. The spacing pattern S
repeats for sets of four adjacent columns C through a last column
(not shown) in the nozzle layout 400, which in this implementation
is the sixty-fourth column.
[0048] In this implementation, none of the spacings S.sub.1,
S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 is equal to any other of the spacings
S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4. In some implementations, the
spacings S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4, as expressed in terms
of the number of rows in the nozzle layout 400, r, and the droplet
pitch, D, can be (r+1)D, (r+2)D, (r-1)D, and (r-2)D, respectively.
In the implementation shown in FIG. 4, the spacings S.sub.1,
S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 can be 33D, 34D, 31D, and 30D,
respectively. Unequal column spacing permits the nozzles 180 in
each column 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 to be positioned on
straight lines 411, 421, 431, 441, 451, 461 rather than staggered.
In some implementations, one or both of the offset n and the
droplet pitch D can be about one twelve-hundredth of an inch.
[0049] In some alternative implementations, some of the spacings
S.sub.1, S.sub.2, S.sub.3, S.sub.4 can be equal to one another. In
some implementations, the first spacing S.sub.1 can be equal to the
third spacing S.sub.3, and the second spacing S.sub.2 can be equal
to the fourth spacing S.sub.4. For example, for a droplet pitch D,
the first spacing S.sub.1 and the third spacing S.sub.3 can be 30D,
and the second spacing S.sub.2 and the fourth spacing S.sub.4 can
be 34D. In some of these alternative implementations, the offset n
between columns, described above, can be zero for adjacent columns
within a pair of columns and non-zero for adjacent pairs of
columns. For example, the offset n can be equal to two droplet
pitches D. That is, a second pair of columns can be offset a
distance 2D in the y direction relative to a first pair of columns,
and each subsequent pair of columns can be offset by the distance
2D in the same direction.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a portion of a
nozzle layout 500. The schematic has been expanded along the x
direction for illustrative purposes, as reflected by the enlarged
angle .alpha. between the w direction and the y direction, as
compared to FIG. 1B. The nozzles 180 are numbered according to
position in the x direction. That is, the leftmost nozzle 180 is
numbered with a "1," the next adjacent nozzle 180 is numbered with
a "2," and so on. The nozzle layout 500 has a first band 501, a
second band 502, a third band 503, and a fourth band 504. The bands
501, 502, 503, 504 can be contiguous. Columns extend in the w
direction. Each column has 32 nozzles 180, and each column has 8
nozzles 180 in each of the bands 501, 502, 503, 504. The nozzles
are arranged in four different band patterns. These band patterns
are, as shown in FIG. 5 from left to right, 1-4-2-3, 1-3-4-2,
1-3-2-4, and 1-2-4-3. The following discussion of FIG. 5 considers
the nozzles 180 from left to right and does not describe the
temporal order in which fluid droplets are ejected from the nozzles
180.
[0051] The band pattern shown leftmost in FIG. 5 is the 1-4-2-3
band pattern.
[0052] The leftmost nozzle 180 in the x direction is labeled with a
"1" and is in the first band 501. The next adjacent nozzles 180 in
the x direction are labeled with a "2," a "3," and a "4" and are in
the fourth band 504, the second band 502, and the third band 503,
respectively. The next nozzle 180 in the x direction is labeled "5"
and is again in the first band 501. The 1-4-2-3 band pattern
repeats until reaching the nozzle 180 labeled "32."
[0053] The nozzle layout 500 then transitions to the 1-3-4-2 band
pattern. The nozzle 180 labeled "33" is in the second band 502, so
this transition does not conform strictly to either the 1-4-2-3
band pattern or the 1-3-4-2 band pattern. But starting with the
nozzle 180 labeled "34," the nozzle layout 500 conforms with the
1-3-4-2 band pattern. For example, the nozzles 180 labeled "34,"
"35," "36," and "37" are in the first band 501, third band 503,
fourth band 504, and second band 502, respectively.
[0054] The nozzle layout 500 transitions to the 1-3-2-4 band
pattern after the nozzle 180 labeled "64." Although the nozzles 180
labeled "65" and "66" do not adhere strictly to the 1-3-4-2 band
pattern or the 1-3-2-4 band pattern, the 1-3-2-4 band pattern
commences with nozzle "68." For example, the nozzles labeled "68,"
"69," "70," and "71" are in the first band 501, the second band
502, the fourth band 504, and the third band 503, respectively.
[0055] The nozzle layout 500 transitions to the 1-2-4-3 band
pattern after the nozzle 180 labeled "95." Although the nozzles 180
labeled "96," "97," and "98" do not conform with the 1-3-2-4 band
pattern or the 1-2-4-3 band pattern, the 1-2-4-3 band pattern
commences with the nozzle 180 labeled 99. For example, the nozzles
180 labeled "99," "100," "101," and "102" are in the first band
501, the second band 502, the fourth band 504, and the third band
503, respectively.
[0056] The nozzle layout 500 transitions back to the 1-4-2-3 band
pattern after the nozzle 180 labeled "126." Although the nozzles
180 labeled "127" and "128" do not conform to the 1-2-4-3 band
pattern or the 1-4-2-3 band pattern, the 1-4-2-3 band pattern
commences with the nozzle 180 labeled 129. The band patterns then
repeat in the same manner described above for the remainder of the
nozzle layout 500.
[0057] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional schematic representation of a
portion of the substrate 130, which may also be referred to as part
of the printhead substrate. The flow path body 605 has inlet
passages 620 formed therein. The inlet passages 620 are in fluid
communication with substrate inlets 625. Optionally, the flow path
body 605 also has return passages 670 formed therein, and the
return passages 670 are in fluid communication with substrate
outlets (not shown). The flow path body 605 also includes ascenders
630, fluid pumping chambers 640, and descenders 650 formed therein.
Each ascender 630 is fluidly connected to at least one of the fluid
pumping chambers 640, and each fluid pumping chamber 640 is fluidly
connected to at least one of the descenders 650. Optionally, a
recirculation passage 660 formed in the flow path body 605 fluidly
connects each descender 650 to at least one return passage 670.
[0058] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional schematic representation taken
along line B-B in FIG. 6A. A membrane 675 is formed on a top
surface of the flow path body 605 and defines a boundary of the
fluid pumping chamber 640. The transducer 680 is positioned on the
membrane 675 above the fluid pumping chamber 640. An interposer 690
is also positioned on top of the membrane 675. The interposer 690
can be configured to provide fluid communication between the
substrate 130 and other components of the printhead 100. The nozzle
layer 132 is secured to the bottom of the flow path body 605, and
the nozzle layer 132 has the nozzle 180 formed therein. The nozzle
layer 132 includes the nozzle face 135. As described above, the
transducer 680 can be actuated to cause ejection of a fluid droplet
through the nozzle 180.
[0059] During operation, fluid flows through the substrate inlets
625 into the inlet passages 620. Fluid then flows through the
ascender 630, through the fluid pumping chamber 640, and through
the descender 650. From the descender 650, fluid can flow through
the optional recirculation passage 660 to the return passage 670.
When the transducer 680 is actuated, a pressure pulse travels down
the descender 650 to the nozzle 180, and this pressure pulse can
cause ejection of a fluid droplet through the nozzle 180.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a top view schematic representation of a portion
of an implementation of a flow path layout of an example substrate.
In some implementations, the ascender 630 can be connected to a
corner or short side of the pumping chamber 640 by a short passage
632, and the descender 650 is connected or forms an opposite side
of the pumping chamber 640. In some embodiments, the pumping
chambers 640 is generally shaped (in horizontal cross section shown
in FIG. 7) as a convex polygon, e.g., with six or more sides, e.g.,
with six, seven or eight sides. The corners of the pumping chamber
640 can be sharp or rounded. The descender 650 can be generally
rectangular, e.g., square.
[0061] The inlets passages 620 and return passages 670 extend in
parallel across the width of the substrate 130 in an alternating
pattern, e.g., each pair of adjacent inlet passages separated by a
return passage and each pair of return passages separated by an
inlet passage. The nozzles 650 are disposed in columns parallel to
the inlet passages 620 and return passages 670, with each nozzle in
a single column connected by an associated flow path portion, e.g.,
descender, pumping chamber and ascender, to a common inlet passage
620, and each nozzle in a single column also connected by the
associated flow path portion, e.g., recirculation passage 660, to a
common return passage 670.
[0062] Any two adjacent columns of nozzles are connected to the
inlet 625 or the same recirculation passage 660, but not both. For
example, as shown in FIG. 7, the nozzles in adjacent columns A and
B are connected to common inlet passage 620, but are connected to
the return passages 670a and 670b on opposite sides of the common
inlet passage. Similarly, the nozzles in adjacent columns B and C
are connected to common return passage 670b, but are connected to
the inlet passages (only one inlet passage is clearly visible) on
opposite sides of the return passage 670b.
[0063] The pumping chambers 640 can also be arranged in columns,
with pumping chambers that are connected to a common inlet passage
positioned in two proximate columns extending parallel to the inlet
passages, e.g., these two columns are closer to each other than to
a column of pumping chambers connected to a different inlet
passage. For a generally hexagonal pumping chamber 640, two
opposing edges 642a, 642b can be generally adjacent the edges of
pumping chambers from the same column. The edges 644a, 644b further
form the descender 650 can be generally adjacent the edges of two
pumping chambers from the proximate column. Thus, the pumping
chambers of the two proximate columns are staggered, e.g., with a
half-pitch step difference. The passage 632 from each pumping
chamber 640 can extend partially between the adjacent pumping
chambers of the proximate column.
[0064] To achieve a printer resolution of greater than 600 dpi,
such as 1200 dpi or greater, there can be between 550 and 60,000
pumping chambers 640 and associated nozzles 180. For example, there
can be 2,048 pumping chambers 640 in an area of less than one
square inch if the pumping chambers are sized to eject fluid
droplets of 2 pL. As another example, there can be about 60,000
pumping chambers in an area of less than one square inch if the
pumping chambers are sized to eject fluid droplets of 0.01 pL. The
area containing the pumping chambers can have a length greater than
one inch, e.g., about 44 mm in length, and a width less than one
inch, e.g., about 9 mm in width.
[0065] Two factors contribute to achieving a very high density of
pumping chambers (and thus of nozzles). First, the pumping chambers
are etched in silicon and thus can be formed by semiconductor
processing techniques with small feature size at high accuracy.
Second, the generally hexagonal shape of the pumping chambers
permits the chambers to be closely packed in the staggered
pattern.
[0066] The use of terminology such as "front," "back," "top,"
"bottom," "above," and "below" throughout the specification and
claims is for illustrative purposes only, to distinguish between
various components of the system, printhead, substrate, and other
elements described herein. The use of such terminology does not
imply a particular orientation of the printhead, the substrate, or
any other components. Similarly the use of horizontal and vertical
to describe elements is in relation to the implementation
described. In other implementations, the same or similar elements
can be oriented other than horizontally or vertically as the case
may be.
[0067] The controller and its functional operations can be
implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer
software, firmware, or hardware, or in combinations of them. In
particular, the functional operations can be implemented with one
or more computer program products, i.e., one or more computer
programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier, e.g., in a
machine readable storage device, for execution by, or to control
the operation of, data processing apparatus, e.g., a programmable
processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers.
[0068] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, the nozzle layout can be
configured such that the offset between the first nozzles in
adjacent columns can be zero for a first pairs of columns and
non-zero for an adjacent pair of columns. All, some, or none of the
spacings in the spacing pattern can be equal to another spacing in
the spacing pattern. A nozzle layout may include more than one
column spacing pattern. A column spacing pattern can include fewer
than four columns or more than four columns. Accordingly, other
embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
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